(EAGAN, MN April 8, 2013) Argosy University, Twin Cities will host a presentation titled “Crisis Intervention Team: Responding to Extreme Weather Events and Incidents” on Wednesday, May 1, 2013, from 1 to 4 p.m. at its Eagan campus. The event will offer attendees information on approaches and strategies designed to enhance communication and cooperation during extreme weather events.

Participants of the event will hear about lessons learned related to communication, how people make decisions in a crisis, and how to assist people in decision-making in an extreme weather situation. There is no cost to attend.

The lecture will include definitions of extreme weather communication and recent language changes in warnings related to these events. In addition, presenters will offer information on mental health symptoms and syndromes as well as their relationships to extreme weather events and human behavior during a crisis such as what “common” reactions of normal people are during a crisis and specific issues related to those with impairment, mental illness, and health concerns. Also, approaches and strategies to improve communication and cooperation during extreme weather events and incidents will be discussed by reviewing successful verbal and non-verbal multicultural communication strategies for building rapport and reducing misunderstandings through scenarios and role-playing.

This course has been submitted for approval for continuing education credit by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (MN POST).

Presenters for the event include:

Jennifer Bartl: A 2012 graduate of the Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology program at Argosy University, Twin Cities, she has served as a South St. Paul Reserve Officer, a Ramsey County Guardian Ad Litem, and a Department of Corrections volunteer.

Patti Hecht: A part-time faculty member in the Forensic Psychology program at Argosy University, Twin Cities, Hecht served for 13 years with the city of South St. Paul, MN as an officer in the patrol and investigation division and is responsible for training law enforcement officials throughout Minnesota in crisis intervention. She has received certification in Children in Crisis — school based crisis intervention training for non-physical de-escalation techniques.

Dr. Kathy Harowski: As the program chair of the Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice programs at Argosy University, Twin Cities, she is a clinical psychologist who has worked as a clinical and administrative supervisor and manager in a number of public sector agencies serving underserved, multicultural, multi-stressed individuals and families.

There is no charge to attend this presentation, but space is limited so please RSVP to 651-846-3300 or mwillard@argosy.edu. The Argosy University, Twin Cities campus is located at 1515 Central Parkway, Eagan, MN 55121.

About Argosy UniversityArgosy University (www.argosy.edu), with 28 campus locations in 13 states and its online program, is a private academic institution dedicated to providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs to students in a supportive learning environment where academic knowledge is enriched by the acquisition of interpersonal skills vital to success. Argosy University has seven colleges: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Business, Education, Health Sciences, Undergraduate Studies, The Art Institute of California and Western State College of Law. With one of the largest communities of graduate students in the nation, Argosy University offers doctoral and master’s degree programs in Psychology, Business, Counseling and Education. The institution also offers bachelor’s degree programs in Psychology, Business, Liberal Arts and Criminal Justice and, through The Art Institute of California, serves as an important source of education for design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts students and professionals. Degree level and programs offered vary by location. Full and part-time law programs are offered through Western State College of Law. Argosy University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, California, 94501, http://www.wascsenior.org). Licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, License No. 2610, 2630. See auprograms.info for program duration, tuition, fees, and other costs, median debt, federal salary data, alumni success, and other important info.